Handling Of Insulating Gases And Gas Mixtures - WIKA GA11 Mode D'emploi

3. Safety
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3.4 Handling of insulating gases and gas mixtures

Similar to fluorinated gases for insulation in electrical systems, toxic decomposition
products (e.g. nitrogen oxides) can also arise with nitrogen-based gas mixtures. High
concentrations of nitrogen-based insulating gas escaping from plant can lead to the
permissible workplace limit for certain substances being exceeded.
Properties of insulating gases
Colourless and odourless
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Chemically neutral
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Inert (only pure nitrogen without oxygen content)
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No toxicity
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No damage to the ozone layer
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Danger of suffocation caused by insulating gases and gas mixtures
High concentrations of gases and gas mixtures may lead to suffocation. Nitrogen, in
particular, is suffocating in high concentrations without any noticeable signs, since it can
displace oxygen through its enrichment in breathing air. Depending on the duration of
the inhalation and the remaining oxygen concentration in the environment, sleepiness,
sickness, increased blood pressure and shortness of breath occur.
Danger caused by decomposition products
Insulating gas in electrical systems may contain decomposition products generated by
electric arcs:
Nitrogen oxides
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Decomposition products can be harmful to health.
They can cause poisoning by inhalation, ingestion or contact with the skin.
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They may be irritating to the eyes, the respiratory system or the skin and burn them.
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Inhalation of large quantities may damage the lungs.
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Observe the following safety instructions in order to avoid danger from insulating gas:
Wear personal protective equipment.
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Read the material safety data sheet of the gas supplier.
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With large leaks, evacuate the area quickly.
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Ensure good ventilation.
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Ensure the leak tightness of the equipment with a leak detector (e.g. model GIR-10).
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WIKA operating instructions analytic instrument, model GA11
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